Youve got to want the adventure to do it! Hi! But we spent just under two weeks in Antigua and would love to go back and stay for even longer! Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. I was the same! It takes about two and a half hours to get from Antigua to Panajachel, and the views are gorgeous when you are descending toward the lake. Flying out to Cyprus just made sense! This depends on where youre staying, which town you visit and what kind of traveller you are. They are: Shuttle bus (most popular backpacker option) Public bus ('chicken bus') Private transfer There are tourists around Lake Atitlan, but it depends on which area you are staying in. Boarding a shared van shuttle is the first and most convenient choice when you're traveling from Lake Atitlan to Antigua and seeking an affordable and hassle-free transportation option!. And one of the cheapest they have deals that start atjust $42 USD per month. After battling an addiction to travel for the past ten years, I finally took the plunge to work remotely and travel full time. While driving from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, you can expect a bunch of bumps on the road and insanely crooked roads like the one pictured below! This is the most expensive way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Check them out! A shared shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan costs around 20 to 30 USD per person, depending on which tour company you get it from. If you are short on time, you must decide whether you want to stay in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore more of the best things to do in Antigua, or head over to Lake Atitlan and enjoy its scenic landscape and relaxed vibes. Book in advance, wait for your hotel pickup and be on your way to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The Antigua to Atitlan shuttle (to Panajachel) costs around $20 at the time of writing. Yes, chicken buses arent exactly safe and reliable, as most of them break down more often than anyone would like. You will need to make your way to the ferry port in Panajachel to reach your accommodation in another town around Lake Atitlan. In our guide, we will show you the 6 best ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. Traveling in a small group limited to only 10 people means you won't have to wait for multiple pickups and drop-offs, while air conditioning ensures you stay cool and relaxed throughout the scenic ride. When youre planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over onInstagramor in the comments below! Looking for a cheap and reliable shuttle to Lake Atitlan from Antigua?Check out our recommended shuttle bus agency here! payment Price US$47.00 P/P. If you are running low on time then you can also organize a day-trip out to the lake from Antigua. Expect personal travel stories, backpacking tips + the latest travel inspiration! My name is Stefania and Im a full time traveler originally from Italy. Its a great destination to have a mix of local life as well as fun bars, restaurants and tourist attractions. If you are staying in Panajachel you can request to be dropped at your accommodation there. Make sure you alwaysread the reviews first. Its also a somewhat long and bumpy ride, and while the roads can be narrow or winding, theres not much regard for speed limits, and the vehicles are not that well maintained, so its definitely not for the faint-hearted. For starters, the schedule is limited to once a day at 7 AM, and its suggested that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to ensure the bus doesnt leave earlier and to get your spot. One of the people on our shared shuttle almost (maybe he did but I didnt want to look) puked from the drive. 8 reviews 7 helpful votes Travel from Antigua to Lake Atitlan 11 years ago Save Hello - My husband and I are visiting Antigua from Sept. 24 - Oct. 1. Taking a shuttle bus from Antigua to Lake Atitln is relatively easy and convenient, but can be a little cramped and uncomfortable. The shuttle will pick you up from your hotel in Antigua and take you to the dock in Panajachel. If you walk around the streets of Antigua, you should be able to find a handful of tour companies offering shuttle services. Our Antigua to Lake Atitlan shuttle is reliable, safe with comfortable seating and AC/ heater. Where you stay in Lake Atitlan will depend on what kind of traveller and person you are. I have recently found TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER which is a great site to compare different insurance companies. Whilst El Salvador might not jump out at you when thinking of a holiday destination, this is slowly changing. If you head to the tourist bars, restaurants and cafes, then yes, its touristy. We had a great experience with them they pick you up on time and you just have to wait for a blue van to come by. It is even on the UNESCO world heritage site tentative list, and for good reason! There are a couple of ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan some are easy and some are difficult (involving multiple stops and transfers). Make sure you have some motion sickness medicine. For those that are unfamiliar with chicken buses, they are old refurbished school buses from the United States. Uber is legal in Guatemala and actually quite popular in Antigua and Guatemala City. Although taking an uber or a taxi to Lake Atitln is an option, I wouldnt recommend it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to get our latest content by email. Each Sunday you'll receive an email with the latest nomad news, digital nomad lifestyle tips, new destination guides and work online tips to ease you into your week. Talk about a nightmare! If you are traveling Guatemala on a budget, then the chicken buses, aka Guatemalas infamous public buses, might be your only option. Now you can find me travelling the world with my boyfriend, scoping out the best hidden gems, wildlife, culture and adventures (and misadventures) as we go. Lake Atitlan is the deepest lake in all of Central America. Guatemala is known for its chicken buses, which are old school buses donated from the USA. Depending on the location of your accommodation, it might not be accessible by car. This driver (Tony) was recommended by our friend and heres the number if you want to book with him: +502 5870 9747. Shuttles from Antigua to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan by Antigua Tours. Its also ideal for people who are traveling in groups, with family, or who want to make a day trip to Lake Atitln. In summary, there are two main ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. We found Panajachel to have some tourists in the main restaurants and on Calle Santander, but there was a much higher percentage of Guatemalans around, especially during the day. Renting your own car gives you freedom and flexibility. I have no specific travel goals if not just to travel because the journey is my destination. Another way to get to Lake Atitln on public transportation is via a direct bus. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. We were shocked at how much they charge for a private car with a driver in Guatemala. The fastest drop-off point is Panajachel and it takes a little longer (maybe 30-60 mins) to get to San Pedro La Laguna. How far is it from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? BOOK IT HERE, You could also choose this Private Antigua to Lake Atitlan tour which includes a stop at a spectacular lake viewpoint, and also a boat tour with visits to several surrounding villages. People buy them for cheap in the United States and drive them all the way to Guatemala to be used for public transport. Unsubscribe at any time. Book Now. Any questions? Now they are ready to speed now the poor Guatemala highways, bumping loud music and ignoring all the proper safety regulations (I wish I was joking). Whichever option you go with, they will: There are several ways to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan but I wont bother sharing the difficult transportation options that could give you a headache, stress or even worse get you lost! Yes, Lake Atitlan is definitely worth visiting. Its usually a 12-14 seater van and theres enough space for your luggage (we had 2 suitcases so youll be fine). The best places to swim around Lake Atitlan are the San Marcos diving point, in front of Free Cerveza hostel (Santa Cruz), and around the smaller towns. Very affordable, quick and on time pickup, the shuttle wasn't packed/overbooked and the ride was relatively smooth. But before they are ready to pick up passengers, they get a complete visual makeover. Note: I dont recommend taking a chicken bus if you have back problems or want a ride that is chill and relaxing. Depending on the time of year and company, shuttles will cost between 10-25 (100 Q 250Q) per person. Looking for a car rental in Guatemala?Check out our recommended car rental company here! There are plenty of places where a private car in Guatemala would be useful, such as Guatemala City, Flores (to see Tikal), and Semuc Champey. The Ultimate Lake Atitlan Digital Nomad Guide (2023). Again, if youre staying in a different town, like San Pedro La Laguna or Santa Cruz La Laguna, youll have to take the shuttle to Panajachel and be left at the dock, where youll take the boat transfer arranged by your hotel or a public boat. In 2018, we realized we could take our work with usanywhere in the world. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can arrange your transfer for up to 3 people for $190, or up to 12 people for $265, with several options in between. Note: They will only pick up passengers located at central hotels. However, the shuttles don't leave the airport until they are full, which could take a few hours. 5/5 5 out of 5 With a poor maintenance record and no regard for speed limits, even up on the winding mountain roads, safety is far from guaranteed, and you will need to pay close caution to your belongings as pickpocketing is rife. Option 1: Take A Shuttle Bus - Price 25$. CONTACT: Isabella @ boundlessroads.com | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube, Best Car Rental Deals w/ Free Cancellation, Compare & Save! You can choose to go on their standard shuttle runs, or book a private transfer so you can leave whenever you wish. Unfortunately, theres a high level ofcyanobacteriaand phosphorousin Lake Atitlan, from the fertiliser and sewage around the lake. And for things that are a little bit farther away from town, you can take a tuk tuk to your destination. Thankfully, we booked one nights hotel in Pana because there was no way to get across to San Pedro La Laguna without paying over $60 USD for a scary (possibly dangerous) lancha ride! BOOK IT HERE. Check out dates and prices here! , Is Skopje, North Macedonia on your destination lis, Lisbon, Portugal is the top digital nomad destinat, We embarked on another 6-hour bus journey to our n, Never did we think we would visit Serbia Renting a car is probably a better option if you just want to go out to the lake for a day trip before returning to Antigua in the afternoon. Check the next section to see where the main backpacker hotels are located around Lake Atitlan. Boats (aka lanchas) run regularly throughout the day, from around 6 am 7 pm. If you're . The journey is around 2.5 hours(depending on traffic, road conditions, roadworks and other factors)from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. 3h. As we travel, I post everything live on Instagram, so check out my recent highlights and posts. Simply click the button below for prices and availability of shuttles and cars from Antigua to Lake Atitlan. The way by road to San Pedro goes further along the Pan American Hwy and then downdowndown to the lake on a curvy road in bad condition; sometimes there are long construction delays but it's bad to complain when the road needs so much work. The best way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is by booking a shared van shuttle. As Antigua digital nomads, its such a normal thing to escape to Lake Atitlan on the weekends to enjoy nature, completely relax and live life at a slower pace than Antigua. The public chicken bus from Antigua to Lake Atitlan is pretty straightforward. 6 Best Ways To Get From Antigua to Lake Atitlan. The best way to book a ride with Benjy Tours is via WhatsApp and this is their number for bookings: +502 5696 6252. Shuttles are an economical option, costing around $35. Answer 1 of 12: Do you think I need to book in advance for one day tour from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! This is Isabella, the author of this blog, and a cat lover. The Uber or taxi fare would be around $10 USD depending on the . For a trip to remember, check out this amazing eight-day Luxury and Mayan Culture in Guatemala Tour that includes a flight to Lake Atitln and a helicopter tour over the amazing El Mirador ruins. For example, if youre keen to party, youll want to stay in San Pedro. There are so many companies to choose from its pretty easy to find one and they are all relatively the same price. The drive generally takes a minimum of two and a half hours by shuttle, but with traffic, this can take upwards of four, so be prepared and make sure you have lots of water and snacks! Rent a Car at Guatemala City Airport. There is plenty to do in the area, whether youre looking for thrilling watersports or a relaxing time by the lake, but how do you get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan in the first place? How is the drive from Antigua to Lake Atitlan? Its also the cheapest option on this list at only 100Q ($13 USD) per person. But what if something DOES happen? Buy your shuttle ticket service online in antigua guatemala online. We have a good understanding on which route is the most comfortable, where to take the transport, and which shuttle companies are the best. This is Isabella, a serious case of wanderlust! Getting from Antigua to Guatemala Private Shuttle Bus For a private transfer, you are paying for the entire vehicle instead of paying per person, so it is more economical if you have a big group. It is best to get the direct shuttle from Antigua to . The distance from Antigua in Guatemala to Lake Atitlan is 54.3 miles (87.4 km), and you can make the journey in approximately 3 hours. Its fairly straightforward and a pretty safe option for people. You can also rent a car and drive yourself, but as always, parking is tricky, and if you want to explore other areas on the lake you will have to find a place to park in Panajachel and jump on a boat. In 2018, I left the comfort of my home and job in New York City to find out what truly inspires me. Always use Hostelworld.com for the cheapest rates, widest availability and most importantly honest reviews from other travellers! cant afford this, so we stick to the hostels. They have a great cancelation policy where you can get the tickets full price in credit for future use, even just a few hours before your scheduled departure time. Here are some answers and tips to the questions we asked ourselves when trying to get across. 3x Easy Ways To From Antigua To Lake Atitlan: Transportation Options, 1. Check out our recommended shuttle bus agency here! Antigua TO Panajachel, shared Panajachel TO Antigua, shared Its important to note: The journey from Antigua to Panajachel is much easier for people that are sensitive to motion sickness. It may not be the most economical option for making the journey, but it will be a memorable one. Located to the northwest of Antigua, Lake Atitlan is one of the most sought-after destinations in Guatemala. Each Sunday you'll receive an email with the latest nomad news, digital nomad lifestyle updates, new destination guides and work online tips to ease you into your week. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. The public ferry takes 30 minutes to get to San Pedro and 10 minutes to get to Santa Cruz, costing $3 and $1 respectively. Private cars will pick you up from your Antigua accommodation, and drop you off at your Lake Atitlan accommodation. In this post, I will tell you all the possible ways you can get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan for every budget and style. This is the most convenient option if youre looking for how to get to Lake Atitlan fast and head directly to your final destination. For us, we preferred Antigua because its a small city with lots to do (volcano hikes, shopping, bars, restaurants, cafes, walking tours, chocolate workshops, coffee making) and we just enjoyed being in Antigua and spending time there, especially as digital nomads. Shuttles run all over Guatemala and are the most popular way for backpackers to travel around. PRIVATE SHUTTLE ANTIGUA - LAKE ATITLAN or Vice-versa 2 Transportation Services from $60.00 per adult (price varies by group size) . Or just take the shuttle to Panajachel and take the lancha (boat taxi) across. From Panajachel, you can easily take a boat trip or private taxi to any of the other lake villages, such as San Marcos or San Pedro. Thankfully, its so easy to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan after youve made the journey once its a piece of cake to do it again and again! [Info, Prices]. Most hostels, hotels or Airbnbs can recommend various shuttle services. Lake Atitlan is around 2.5 to 3 hours away from Antigua. We are so excited and grateful for all the reviews and questions we've read on this forum. Hey there! You can easily use the Google Translate app to write a message and/or read their messages in Spanish! Yes, you do! Q10 = $1.28 (US) / $1.74 (CAD) / 1.21 (Prices as of February 2023) Direct Bus from Antigua to Panajachel 3 hours Q30/36 per person Check out our dedicated guide here! Since then, I have trekked through the Andes, tested my lungs at over 5,000 meters above sea level, encountered the worlds deadliest spider in the Amazon Rainforest, explored the worlds most catastrophic nuclear disaster. It sounds like an amazing way to see the country. If youre looking for the easiest, most convenient and smoothest way to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, keep reading! NOTE: Selina and the Dreamboat Hostel are both by the ferry port. How to get from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala By: Ana Maria Published: December 29, 2021 - Last updated: August 27, 2022 0 Comments Guatemala Transportation, Guatemala Travel Guide Home Universal Traveller Travel Guides Central America Travel Guide Guatemala Travel Guide Guatemala Transportation But, this is Central America, and no overland journey is ever short of an adventure! We got several quotes and they were all over $80 USD. A newsletter for digital nomads! There are different villages scattered around the lake, most of which are only accessible by lancha(small boats) or helicopter. After all, there are more than 10 villages in Lake Atitlan and they arent exactly close to each other. Its a popular place for locals and foreigners to flock to this magical lake to relax, rejuvenate and take in some nature. Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Pen Y Fan is a scenic route that is suitable, Read More Pen Y Fan Walk: Everything You Need To KnowContinue, Going interrailing alone? Looking for some travel insurance for Guatemala?Check out our recommendation here! Shared Shuttle from Lake Atitlan to Antigua. Most shared van shuttle services only go to specific towns (other towns are just too hard to drive through). Panajachel is one of the bigger villages in Lake Atitlan and acts as the main transportation hub. Alternatively, if you are like us and want to be prepared in advance, you can book your private shuttle service here with GuateGo! Uber works well in Antigua, or you could book a taxi to pick you up at your hotel and drive you to your final destination. The most popular villages to get dropped off are Panajachel and San Pedro.
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